Those incensed Kings made suitable Returns to these Words, and having taken proper Measures to commence and carry on the War, went away in their Vessels, without losing Time, or admitting of Delay; as well knowing the many Dangers a great Undertaking is expos’d to, which depends on Secrecy, and is imparted to many.
On the Day appointed, all the Natives departed the City of Ternate, Ternate City abandon’d and burnt. with their Families, not in good Order, as in Transmigrations, but raging, in Confusion, and loaded with their Children, and a few Necessaries, having before sent away their Effects to other Islands. To convince the Portugueses of their Design, and that the People of Ternate abandon’d the Country, they set Fire to the City in several Places; the Flames began to take hold and spread, till they met, and of many small ones became one general Conflagration, with hideous Noise and Cries; for not only the Houses were burnt, which had for so many Ages belong’d to their Forefather, and Ancestors, but all that attracts the Affection to our Native Country, the Temples, all their worldly Treasure, and the Bounty of Nature; for the open Country began now to feel the Desolation, the Caves, Lakes and Springs, the Rocks, and the very Sea it self shin’d, boil’d up and crack’d, and the Fire receiv’d into the subterraneous Caverns, lying in the hollow Mountains, pierced into the deepest Recesses, roaring and overturning Stones and Trees. In the mean while, the People travell’d towards the Desarts, looking back to view the Effects of their Revenge.
Resolution of the People. Tristan de Atayde, amaz’d to behold that dreadful Practice, having arm’d some Soldiers, sent Messages to The Queen and Governours, to propose some Accommodation, and appease that inhumane Rage. He promis’d to make Satisfaction, and that all Things should be set right, but it avail’d nothing; for they rather grew more furious, and would not hearken to any Proposal, or admit of Treaty, that might make them slacken in their Resolution. Being come to those Places which Nature has made strong among the Rocks, they arm’d, and in Parties fell upon the Christians, lying in wait for them when they went out for Wood or Water, and killing or wounding them by Surprize. The Edict was put in Execution throughout all the Islands at the same Time, destroying all the Portugueses that were in them. In the City Momoya, they kill’d eight that were with F. Portugueses slaughter’d. Francis Alvarez, but he fled to a Ship, after receiving several Wounds. In the Island of Chion, the Head of Moratay; they also slew the Priest, Simon Vaz; an Infidel rushing into his Chamber, broke in Pieces the Picture of the Blessed Virgin, he found there painted on a Board; but Heaven suffer’d him not to go unpunish’d, for his Hands drop’d off on the Spot, and he dy’d a few Days after. It was further observ’d, that within a Year there was not one left alive of all his Race, which was destroy’d in War, and by other Misfortunes and Calamities; as the last of them was fishing, a Needle Fish sprung out of the Water, and struck him with the Snout in the Eye, whereof he dyed. The whole Town perished miserably within a few Years. Tristan de Atayde soon receiv’d the News of this Slaughter of the Portugueses, and so successively of the others, throughout all the Islands. He encourag’d his Men, and labour’d to hide his Concern for being shut up among so many Enemies; he regulated the Distribution of Provisions; sent out several Spies, to get Information of the Enemies Motions and Designs: and order’d the Guard upon King Aerio, who was in the Fort, to be always watchful, for the more Security, leaving only the Nurses, and other Women that attended him. Then he again employ’d other Persons to propose a Peace to the Queen, and the King of Tydore, with ample Commission to offer advantageous Conditions, which were to be immediately perform’d; but all prov’d ineffectual, for an Accident which soon happen’d confirm’d the Enemies Obstinacy.
Catabruno, Governour of Gilolo, and Tutor to the Infant King, finding King of Tydore poison’d. his Usurpation establish’d by Time, and a good Disposition in the Minds of his Accomplices, poison’d the King; and possessing himself of the Palace and Forts, ascended the Throne, making the Subjects swear Allegiance to him. Tho’ no Man in all those Eastern Parts expected any other Event, yet was it look’d upon as most certain, that Tristan de Atayde was consenting to the Poisoning, and his Usurpation; besides other Circumstances produc’d so prove his Guilt, it was notorious, that Atayde sent Catabruno a Robe of blew Velvet, which he wore the Day he rebell’d, and was sworn King. God so order’d it, that as soon as he was possess’d of the Kingdom, he broke his Faith with Tristan de Atayde, and confederated with the other United Princes, proving the greatest Enemy the Portugueses had; for he fitted out numerous Fleets wherewith he warr’d on all the Christians of those Islands, threatning and tormenting them that they might renounce their Faith.
At this time the Governour of India, tho’ there were some Troubles at Galvam sent to govern the Moluccos. Goa, and in other Places, sent Succours to Ternate, because it was towards the End of Summer, and one must of Necessity go to succeed the Governour. Antony Galvam was the Man appointed, who laid out above 10000 Ducats of his own towards restoring the Places that had been burnt, by which it may be truly said, he redeem’d the Moluccos. He was desirous, not only to People, but even to enlarge Ternate, and to this Purpose he treated with some poor marry’d Men, and needy Families, to go over with him and their Wives and Children to those Islands; the same he did with Men and Women, who were lewd Livers, that they might mend their Lives in another Country, and embrace the legal State of Matrimony; to which End, he lent them Money, and provided Necessaries for their Voyage. In the meanwhile, the Tyrant Catabruno, assembled his Forces, and mov’d against the City Momoya, where the Sangiack of it liv’d, who had been before an ignorant Idolater, but then a Christian Prince. He finding himself inferiour in Power, retired into a Fort, with his Wife, Children Momoya taken. and Family. Some Portugueses sent him by Tristan de Atayde, not daring to trust themselves shut up there with him, withdrew into the Mountains, where they were soon kill’d, pursuant to the Edict of the League. Catabruno enter’d the City, without any Opposition, where he exercis’d his Cruelty, because the wretched Inhabitants would not quit it; and many new converted Christians recanted for Fear, or thro’ the Violence of Torments. Being Master of the City, he laid Seige to the Fort, giving it several furious Assaults, which Don John withstood, making a resolute Defence, and in some Sallies return’d Victorious; yet his Example prevailed Amazing Action of an Indian Convert. not on his People, as it usually does where it meets with generous Souls; so that this Prince soon discover’d how faint-hearted most of them were; he suspected that servile Fear would degenerate to such Baseness, that they would deliver him up to his Enemy, and therefore like a brave Man, he presently bent his Thoughts to secure the Salvation of his Soul. He knew Catabruno valu’d himself upon his Zeal for the Law of Mahomet, and therefore spar’d the Lives of all Christians that Apostatiz’d, putting to Death such as prov’d stanch and constant; he fear’d his Wife and Children, being pusilanimous, would fail in the Confession of their Faith, and being fill’d with this Spirit, drew his Cimiter, ran to them, and shedding Tears, which were not the Effect of Cowardice, slew them one after another, first telling them his Reasons for so doing, and that tho’ in the Eyes of the World he might appear inhumane, yet considering the Salvation of their Souls, what he did was a Religious Magnanimity, and therefore they ought rather to thank him for it. This was a mistaken Notion; and to go through stitch with it, he would, still persisting in the same Error, have kill’d himself, but that he was hinder’d by his own Servants, who to purchase the Tyrant’s Pardon, deliver’d up to him that Christian Prince, who had been so ill advis’d by his Zeal. Being brought before Catabruno, who was inform’d how cruelly he had slain his Wife and Children, he ask’d him, Why he had undertaken so barbarous and inhumane an Action? Don John answer’d him with great Courage and Undauntedness. At that Time, and in my Thoughts, I had more regard to the Salvation of their Souls, than to the preserving of their Lives. I mistrusted His Words. the Sex, their Age, and your Torments, and would not hazard their persisting in the true Faith. Souls are Immortal, and I took nothing from my Children that they can feel the want of, or which Time, or your Sword would not have depriv’d them of; the latter we should all have been thankful to, as the Instrument of the Divine Will. But I much more dreaded your Pardon and Mercy, by which you might have perverted their Minds, with those Soothings which please frail Mortality. I being more resolute, tho’ expos’d to all your Fury, am so far from fearing the Effects, either of your Torments or Intreaties, that I shall look upon you as God’s Executioner, and were it his Will, that you should take away my Life, I should receive a greater Benefit from your Sword, than from your Mercy. Catabruno, enrag’d at his Answer, order’d him to be kill’d; but the Tyrant’s own Friends, who lov’d Don John, the Sangiack, carry’d him out of the Room, and contriv’d he should have his Liberty, and be restor’d. Their Intreaties prevail’d on Catabruno, and he liv’d many Years after in his own Dominions, with a Christian Constancy, confessing his indiscreet Zeal, which had caused his own Sword to deprive him of Wife and Children. A Mind truly worthy the best Part of Europe, and not to be the Product of the most remote barbarous Nations; and highly commendable, had it been directed by more solid Rules, to curb that Fierceness, so opposite to all natural and divine Laws, which looks upon such horrid Murders, as a Piece of Piety.
Tristan de Atayde was troubl’d at these Misfortunes, which were almost Several Actions. under his Eyes; tho’ he wanted not for others nearer, for the People of Ternate being now Masters of the Island, burnt all the new and old Towns, belonging either to themselves, or the Christians, and amongst others, those of Trutupalate, Calamata, and Isico, yet they met with brave Opposition in them all, and they cost much Blood. Twice our Men went out to Fight the Tydore Fleet, which came within sight of the Fort, and tho’ they both times retir’d Shatter’d, and well Beaten, the Barbarians had not much cause to Boast of their Victory, for Abundance of them were kill’d, and scarce any went off unhurt. The Confederates fitted out other numerous Fleets, wherewith they much Streightened the Christians in the Fort, till Antony Galvam arriv’d, who was at this time Sailing. But Relief came before, Don Stephen de Gama, sending a Galeon laden with Provisions and Ammunition to Ternate, under the Command of Simon Sodre. The Galeon arriv’d safe, and with it the Support of those Disconsolate People. They took Heart, and ventur’d to go abroad, spreading themselves about the Island, and going into the Woods, met with ruin’d Buildings, the remains whereof still smoked, and when it was Dark, they observ’d the high Flames on the Mountains. However they made Incursions upon the Barbarians and throughout all the Islands there were hourly Engagements, either with the Christian Inhabitants, or the Soldiers of the Forts; and at Sea they heard the Martial Musick, which Sounded whilst they Sail’d, or Fought Manfully, and at that time was dreadful.
In the mean while Captain Alvarado, a Spanish Gentleman, sent by Ferdinand Cortes to Ternate, that the Valour he had shown in those Parts, serving Spaniards at the Papuas. God and his King, might not lie idle, discover’d the Islands of the Papuas, and fought those Barbarians with Resolution, tho’ the Portuguese Histories assign the Honour of this Discovery to Don George de Meneses who arriv’d at them in the Year 1526, as we have seen. The great Commander Alvarado also Discover’d other Islands, call’d Gelles, in one Degree of North Latitude, and East from Ternate, 125 Leagues from Batochina. The Natives of those Islands are like those of the Moluccos in Colour, Habit, and Customs, differing only in Language, which is peculiar to themselves.
Antony Galvam sail’d from Malaca with the proper Monson, with Galvam Fights at Sea. the Men, and all Necessaries to fight, and settle Colonies. When he was past the Island Borneo, and the ridges or Rocks which lie under Water, in sight of that Coast, as F. Marta, the Jesuit, writes to the Governor Gomez Perez, and appears by his Papers, in Sight of Malaca he Discover’d a great Fleet of Carcoas, and other Chinese Ships, with Sails made of Canes, and Palm-Tree Leaves wove together. He was soon satisfy’d, that they were the Auxiliaries which had joyn’d the Janguas of Tydore and Catabruno, who, with the expell’d King of Ternate, were Cruzing to meet the Portugueses, or Spaniards, that should come into their Seas. Galvam order’d his Men to be in a Readiness, to clear his Guns, and prepare all Things, doing the Duty of a Commander, and of a Soldier. The Enemy drew up in three Lines, each of its particular Nation, as if the Portugueses had many Ships. He was himself in the Trading Galeon, and with it a Pink, and another small Vessel, wherein, among the Marry’d Men, and Families unfit for that Service, there were some few that could take up Arms. The Infidels drew near, but without Artillery, the Gilolo Archers let fly a great number of Arrows upon our Men, and then one Line shearing off, the other discharg’d, the Air resounding, being peirc’d by the Darts, and Calabays, or Staves hardned at the Fire. Galvam not regarding the Danger, tho’ at first he defended himself with Fights and Planks; when he thought they had spent most of those flying-Weapons, among which they fir’d some Muskets, he began to play his great Guns, tearing their Vessels, and destroying the Men. He Sunk a considerable number, and Took several, because they fought disorderly, relying, as it were a Land-fight, on the Multitude of their Soldiers, as ours did on their Valour, and Experience. But Galvam, whose Business it was to get to Ternate, held on his Voyage, and arriv’d Arrives at Ternate. there as he desir’d. His Men landed in that dismal Solitude, among Smoke and Ruins. The Joy of those who were in the Fort, and the extraordinary Relief, coming quite unhop’d for, were an Encouragement to them all. The Clergy came out to receive him, the Soldiers shouting amidst the Divine Hymns, confounding the Procession, and their Satisfaction. It was a Pleasure to behold, and they gazed on him as a Deliverer sent from Heaven. Tristan de Atayde resign’d his Post, and Antony Galvam took Possession, enquir’d into the Nature of the Confederacy, and the Fame of his Arrival being spread Abroad, Things began to mend. To this Purpose he arrested Tristan de Atayde, and afterwards sent him to Goa. He had before sent Messengers to the Queen, to acquaint her with his Arrival, and the End of it, which was to serve her, and retrieve all the Mischiefs an inordinate Desire of Revenge had occasion’d. In the mean while he began to repair the City, the Colonies, Churches, Keys, and Houses, distributing those Families he had brought with him. Nor did he neglect Husbandry, but planted Vines brought from Portugal, which he soon saw grown up into substantial Vinyards. He deliver’d to the Clergy the new Constitutions drawn up by Cardinal Henry, afterwards the last K. of the House of Portugal. He offer’d Peace to all that would comply, sent Religious Men to inculcate to those who liv’d like Outlaws, the Love of their Country, its re-establishment, and how dishonourable it was to them to make choice of a Life like that of wild Beasts, only for a cruel Satisfaction.
Strength of the Natives. The Queen, who not to speak of her natural Fierceness, expected to see her Son restor’d, and set at Liberty, and to drive away the Portugueses, would not give Ear to any Accommodation. The greatest Burden of the War lay then upon Tydore, where the Confederate Kings, with the deposed Dayalo, a most Fierce Man, gather’d above Fifty Thousand Fighting Men; but they had not yet enclosed that City with a Wall and Ditch, being satisfy’d with having built a Fort upon high Rocks, whence they spread abroad to pick up the Fishermen, and other Portugueses that went out from Ternate to get Provisions, and thence they infested that dangerous Coast. Galvam fearing lest the Prolonging of the War should reduce him to the former difficulties, sent other Messengers to treat of Peace, and perswade those obstinate Kings, to Publish an Oblivion of all past Wrongs, without taking Notice of the late engagement, offering them mighty Presents, to purchase Commerce at the Price of them. They being puffed up with some good Success, and their mighty Power; would not hearken to any Proposals Peace; but on the contrary, as Maffæus Writes, they return’d an Answer very abusive to the Portugueses. Galvam imploring the Assistance of Heaven, so managed the Affair, that it was look’d upon as amazing, even by such as view Things impartially. Nor would it be credible, unless comfirm’d Galvam sails over to Attack them. by other Enterprizes of his suitable to this. He had only four Tall Ships, and a few smaller Vessels in the Port; these he speedily form’d into a Squadron, putting in 400 Men, 170 of them Portugueses, the rest to make up the Number, Slaves, and the common sort of Ternate. He left Tristan de Atayde with some Men to defend the Fort, and secure Sultan Aerio, and sail’d away himself for Tydore, without meeting any Enemy, the reason of it not known, and lay by in a safe Place, about a Musket-shot from that Island. Being come to an Anchor, he took a full View of the Multitude that guarded the Shores, considering the Nature of the Country, and Situation of the City. Having called a Council of War, he resolv’d to Storm the Fort on the high Rock, then little regarded, the Confederates thinking themselves safe. He made a Speech to them in plain Terms, without any Rhetorical Ornaments. These are the same People, said he, we have so newly Vanquish’d, to restore whom to the Liberty they desire, would be a matter of small moment, did they when possessed of it allow the Freedom of preaching the Gospel. This is the Cause we are imbark’d in. Who then can doubt of Victory, or not wish to Die for the obtaining of it? As these Enemies are the same we Defeated, so are we the same Victors; so that I need not have Recourse to Foreign Examples, to encourage you. Their Disobedience and Restlessness is of a long standing; it will be but reasonable that our Arms add one Victorious Day to so many Turbulent Years, that so we may lay the Ax to the Root of Rebellion. They call us Tyrants; that does not at all trouble me; because after the Victory, we shall have the Opportunity of dispelling that Slander by our Moderation.
They would not suffer Galvam to put an end to his Speech, all of them The manner of the Attack. pressing earnestly to Fight, and he resolving to make himself Master of the Rock, as he had contriv’d, pick’d out 120 Portugueses, and made out 300 from among the Rest, leaving the Remainder to secure the Ships, and keep the Enemy in Play, if they should attack them; making show of a greater Number, by appearing in several Places, and shouting, by which such as fear are easily imposed upon. In the mean while, Galvam having taken a Native of Tydore, and oblig’d him to serve for a Guide, set out at the fourth Watch in the Night with his Men, through by-ways remote from the City, over-grown with Brambles, and scarce practicable, and with the greatest silence he could came to the Top of the Mountain. The Portugueses had march’d the greatest Part of the Way by the first Dawn of Day, and resting them a little from the Fatigue, descry’d the Enemy’s shining Helmets and their Feathers on them. Galvam then beginning, all the rest raised the Cry, To Arms, to Arms. The Confederates, with Horrid Shouts, which resounded on the Rocks, and in the Woods, made ready for their Defence, notwithstanding the surprize; but soon perceived they should fall a Prey to our Men. The Fight began, and King Dayalo, enrag’d for that he had been depos’d, appear’d the foremost with some Troops, to secure the Passes, and advanced to meet the Portugueses in a Plain. They avoided him not, and both Parties mixing, much Blood was spilt. Dayalo was visible by his bright Helmet, adorn’d with Variety of standing high Feathers, King of Ternate Kill’d. and his Body cover’d with a Steel Coat of Mail, brandishing with both Hands a Lance, as like a small Yard of a Ship, and charging with desperate Fury; but happ’ning to rush in among our Pikes and Musketiers, unadvisedly, he receiv’d several Wounds on all Sides, and fell down raging. He was wonderful strong, and started up immediately; concealing his Wounds and Pain, and beginning a fresh Charge in the first Ranks, for fear of discouraging his Men. He Fought a considerable Time; but not being Dress’d, and the Action causing the Blood to run the faster, his Eye sight fail’d him, and he dropt a second Time, saying to his Guards, Move hence as fast as you can, and carry me carefully that the Dogs, so he call’d the Portugueses, may not have the Satisfaction of cutting my Body in Pieces. His Soldiers did so, not without great Danger; and he soon after he had been carry’d off, gave up his haughty Soul. His Forces daunted by this Accident, turn’d their Backs, hiding themselves among the Rocks and Brambles, The Indians routed. throwing down their Arms, and getting off through almost inaccessible Ways. Others return’d to the City, and meeting some Troops that march’d to their Assistance, made them return another Way. The Portugueses follow’d the Chace, killing such as fled, and Galvam came to the Fort, with the Loss of only one Slave. This Victory, which happen’d on the Feast of St. Thomas, the Apostle, in the Year 1537, humbled the Pride of the Confederates; was ascrib’d to the Intercession of that Apostle, and they observ’d a solemn Thanksgiving. The Fort was fired with good Advice, for the Citizens and Traders, seeing the Flames so near, abandon’d their Houses, and departed the City with the flying Multitude. Galvam was now coming down from the Hill, having drawn together his Men, and form’d them into small Bodies, with sound of Trumpets and Singing, to make his Victorious Entry into that City, now void of Defendants, and full of Wealth. Considering that the Avarice of the Victorious Soldiers spur’d them on to take Possession of that inestimable Booty, for all the Tydore burnt. Merchants had brought their Effects to Tydore, as the safest Place. Galvam order’d to set Fire to the Houses, all which were consum’d with their harmless Treasure, in Sight of those who had hop’d to be Masters of it; only the Provisions being providentially sav’d.